Old Testament
Jeremiah 23:30
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In this verse, God expresses His strong disapproval of false prophets who take His words and share them without understanding or authority.
- Author
- Jeremiah the prophet, with Baruch
- Written
- Around 600 BC
- Genre
- Prophecy
- Original Audience
- Judah before and during the Babylonian exile
"So pay attention — I am against these prophets," declares the LORD, "who steal my words from one another.
Therefore, behold, I am against the prophets, saith the LORD, that steal my words every one from his neighbour.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, God expresses His strong disapproval of false prophets who take His words and share them without understanding or authority. These prophets are not delivering God's true message; instead, they are copying what others say, leading people astray. God emphasizes the importance of genuine revelation and warns against those who misrepresent His words for personal gain or popularity. This highlights the need for discernment in spiritual matters, as not all who claim to speak for God are doing so faithfully. The verse serves as a reminder that true prophecy comes from a sincere relationship with God, not from imitation or hearsay. God desires His people to hear His voice directly and to be wary of those who distort His message for their own purposes. This call to attention is a warning to both the prophets and the people to seek the truth and uphold the integrity of God's word. Explore related deception.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Jeremiah 23:30 to your life
In today's context, we should be cautious about who we listen to in spiritual matters. It's essential to seek God's truth directly through prayer and scripture rather than relying solely on others' interpretations. This encourages personal growth in faith and understanding.
Curated for this public verse page. Jeremiah Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Jeremiah 23:30 mean?
Jeremiah 23:30 means that God is warning against false prophets who take His words from each other instead of receiving them directly from Him. This indicates that they are not delivering His true message and can lead people away from the truth.
What is the warning in Jeremiah 23:30?
The warning in Jeremiah 23:30 is about the dangers of false prophets who misrepresent God's words for their own gain. God emphasizes the need for genuine revelation and cautions His people to be discerning about who they listen to.
How can we apply Jeremiah 23:30 today?
We can apply Jeremiah 23:30 today by being careful about whom we trust for spiritual guidance. It's important to seek God's truth directly through prayer and scripture rather than relying solely on others' interpretations.
What themes are present in Jeremiah 23:30?
The themes present in Jeremiah 23:30 include false prophets, divine warning, the integrity of God's word, discernment, and spiritual authority. These themes highlight the importance of seeking the truth and understanding God's message.

The Book of Jeremiah
Jeremiah 1: The Call of Jeremiah
The words of Jeremiah, son of Hilkiah, a priest from Anathoth in the land of Benjamin, are recorded. The word of the LORD comes to him in the thirteenth year of King Josiah's reign over Judah. It continues to come to him through the reign of King Jehoiakim and until the eleventh year of King Zedekiah, when Jerusalem is carried into captivity. The LORD states that before He formed Jeremiah in the womb, He knew him and ordained him as a prophet to the nations. Jeremiah responds that he cannot speak because he is a child. The LORD commands him not to say he is a child, for he will go where the LORD sends him and speak what the LORD commands.
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